WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD of the original character of Marshall’s Mill, our impressive Grade II Listed building which was once an integral part of the flax and textile industry around which Holbeck grew.
However, we’ve noticed, particularly in the last couple of years, changes in demand for office accommodation and the number of companies needing 10,000 plus square feet are few and far between, leaving several floors of the Mill empty. In reaction to this, we are investing in a refurbishment to turn the large floor spaces into smaller more flexible suites which, in turn, will attract the smaller, growing companies that thrive in our community.
Phase one of the refurbishment is underway and Chetwoods Architects, currently based at Marshall’s Mill, have sympathetically designed an internal fit out which will celebrate the historic charm of the mill by revealing some of the original brickwork and stone floors, and creating a number of smaller suites and communal areas on the fourth floor. We’ve already seen a demand for the new suites and have two new tenants moving into the Mill over the next few weeks – TxtTools, a software development company already fitting out their space on the fourth floor and FlashTalking, an online advertising technology business already based in the Round Foundry Media Centre – which is taking space on the third floor.
Marshall’s Mill will also be accommodating the growth of Chetwoods who are set to move and expand within the building. In time for the refurbishment we have also now completed the upgrade of the core internet network at Marshall’s Mill and Marshall’s Court which will allow tenants access to 100Mb broadband speed internet.
Phase 2 will focus on the improving the first impressions for visitors to the Mill and include new lighting and a modern, more welcoming, reception desk. Proposed works to the land surrounding Marshall’s Mill include a new turfed lawn which could provide a ‘stage’ for a programme of public art works.
We hope that the refurbishments will help attract more businesses to the development and improve working environments for you, the tenants of Marshall’s Mill and the surrounding Round Foundry, as our long-term goal has always been to strengthen the links between the two and continue to invest in the area to further realise our ambition for it to become THE creative corner of the city.
We’ll keep you up to date with progress but if you have any queries in the meantime, contact: Paul Simmons at paul.simmons@igloo.uk.net